Pregnancy after Ectopic Pregnancy
Pregnancy after ectopic pregnancy is possible and can be successful in many cases. Understandably however, many women worry about their chances of becoming pregnant again after suffering an ectopic pregnancy and worry about it happening again. Although there is a chance of another tubal pregnancy, it is more likely that the next pregnancy will proceed normally.
The risk of a further ectopic pregnancy depends on a number of factors. Especially important is the type of surgery that took place previously, any damage in the other fallopian tube and whether there were previous difficulties conceiving.
If you have had your tube removed then studies have shown the risk of a repeat ectopic is about 9% and if the tube was not removed the chances are about 12%. Whether the surgeon has decided to leave or remove the tube is an individual decision, but some studies have shown that if the tube was left and a further ectopic occured then if the tube had to be removed this time around there will still potentially be one functioning tube. If both tubes were lost, then IVF would be the only option for future pregnancies. Studies have also shown that if the tube is left the normal pregnancy rate is slightly higher than if it was removed.
You should discuss all these options and reasons for his choice with your surgeon either before your surgery, if possible, or afterwards if it was an emergency procedure.
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Treatments for Ectopic Pregnancy
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